For decades Milan proudly has defensive solvency and boasts with legendary names as Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Nesta, Jaap Stam and many more. The club’s ability to produce or improve Elite Central Defenders was a crucial feature. In recent years, however, the situation has changed drastically.
Although there have been some successful acquisitions, Milan’s backline has largely struggled with inconsistency, injuries and dubious transfers. Last season, the questions originated from the lack of depth, while this season is a concern in quality.
Reports from Transfer market suggest that the club’s defensive weaknesses are a primary reason for what has been noticed a “Disastrous season.” With The output is coming because of poor form and Strahinja Pavlovic who fights with consistencyRossoneri is in need of defensive restructuring. Malick Thiaw is still the strongest option But has not yet reached the level required to lead the back line. In the meantime, Matteo Gabbia has appeared as the only safe optionWith steady performances that serve him the club’s confidence.
In the midst of these challenges, Coach Sergio Conceicao is planning a tactical review– One who could redefine Milan’s style of play.
Conceicao’s tactical review
Milan’s identity in recent years has been anchored in Variations of formations 4-3-3 and 4-4-2. While minor adjustments have been made to accommodate player forces, the tactical framework has remained largely unchanged. Now Conceicao is considering a Shift to a three -man defensea structure that has rarely seen since Stefano Pioli was forced into it due to a crisis of injury.
According to Corriere della seraThe The goal of this new system is not only to strengthen the defense but also Unlock Milan’s attacking potential. The Portuguese coach believes this form will get the best Santiago GimenezWinter’s signing that has been struggling to find texture since his arrival. The idea is to drive Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao to more advanced positionsSo that they can work with greater freedom.
Pulisic and Felix Roll
While the tactical switch is aimed at Maximize Leao and Gimenez’s influenceThat too raises questions about the roles of Christian Pulisic and Joao Felix. Gazzetta dello sport analyzed the potential consequences of the new system and noted that it may be “Very limiting” for the attacking trio from Leao, Pulisic and Felix. He claimed that one 3-4-3 installation would be more logicalAs it would allow two wide forwards behind Gimenez.
“With two holding midfielders, the roles of the Fofana and Reijnders would not change much, they would have similar positions and responsibilities,” Bianchin explained.
“However, Christian Pulisic would benefit from this installation. In the current 4-2-3-1 he is expected to provide significant defensive support because Joao Felix, Leao and Gimenez are not known for their defensive contribution. In a 3-4-3, however, he would have Jimenez [or Musah] covers for him. “
The shift also signals The end of the “Fantastic Four” experimentas a field Leao, Pulisic, Felix and Gimenez together in this system would be almost impossible. Instead attacking trio would rotatewith only two places available in most matches.
